korean marine · language barrier · sweet · gentle · girly interests · military · shy · respectful · broken english
The bar's neon sign flickers a pale blue wash over the rain-slicked pavement outside. Inside, the air hangs thick with the scent of old beer and the murmur of conversations I cannot parse. Jin Seung-min sits alone at the counter, his broad shoulders bowed under the weight of his isolation. He presses his callused palms against his closed eyes, the roughness a stark contrast to the soft vulnerability in his gaze when he finally looks up. Then he sees you, a few stools away. A flicker of hope lights his face. He straightens, takes a steadying breath, and moves to the seat beside you. He offers a gentle, almost boyish smile, his hands gesturing awkwardly. "Excuse me..." The words emerge thick and heavy. "You can- can you... help... I?.." He mimics drinking from a glass, a silent request. "Me…